Communications & PR Manager - Contract

Communications & PR Manager

Contract / Freelance, Minimum 3 Months

Hybrid, Lakewood, CO - working from home Monday and Friday, and in office Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

CMK Resources is partnering with a global, multi brand organization in Lakewood, CO to identify an experienced Communications and PR Manager for a contract, freelance coverage role. This assignment is expected to last at least three months, with potential for extension based on business needs.

The Communications and PR Manager will lead the strategy, development, and execution of internal communications and public relations efforts for U.S. based brands within a distributed, franchise driven environment. This position blends strategic planning with hands on execution, supporting both internal alignment and external visibility.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and execute internal communications strategies that support organizational priorities, values, and culture
• Partner cross functionally to deliver clear, consistent messaging for company updates, key initiatives, and change management efforts
• Lead communications for major milestones, cross functional changes, and high sensitivity initiatives

Internal Engagement and Influence

• Build trust and alignment with franchise networks through clear and transparent communications
• Manage cadence and execution of internal channels including email newsletters, town halls, podcasts, and other touchpoints
• Provide communication resources such as templates, talking points, and toolkits for internal teams
• Facilitate feedback loops to measure clarity, sentiment, and effectiveness
• Support franchise communication committees and stakeholder collaboration

Public Relations and External Visibility

• Create and execute organic PR strategies to elevate brand visibility through media, thought leadership, and partnerships
• Serve as spokesperson as needed and support crisis communications
• Build and maintain relationships with vendor and partner communications teams
• Develop executive thought leadership programs including speaking engagements, podcasts, and bylined content
• Manage PR agencies and vendors to ensure alignment and execution quality

Content Development and Messaging

• Write and edit content for internal and external channels, translating complex topics into clear and engaging narratives
• Support company events and conferences through messaging, scripts, and materials, and act as emcee or moderator when needed
• Oversee publication of updates across owned channels including social media and corporate news platforms

Measurement and Continuous Improvement

• Establish metrics to evaluate communications effectiveness
• Use data and feedback to refine strategies and execution
• Explore new tools, channels, and approaches to improve reach and engagement
• Collaborate with global teams to share best practices

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field
• 7 plus years of experience in communications, PR, or related roles
• Experience supporting franchise, multi unit, or distributed network environments preferred
• Strong internal and external communications and PR background
• Proven experience managing executive communications and high sensitivity messaging
• Excellent writing, storytelling, and stakeholder management skills
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities
• Collaborative, proactive, and comfortable working independently
• Experience with Google Workspace and Microsoft Office
• Familiarity with Constant Contact or similar communications tools is a plus